JP2018064639A - Information provision device, movement assist device equipped with the information provision device, method for providing information, and program for causing computer to execute the method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide information capable of preventing a travelling wheelchair from being overturned.SOLUTION: Processing executed by a CPU of a server that can communicate with an electric wheelchair includes a step (S710) for accumulating pressure distribution information and position information received from each electric wheelchair, a step (S720) for specifying, as dangerous points, points before and behind a point where a degree of change in the pressure distribution is large including that point, and attaching flags to the points, a step (S730) for comparing newly received position information and pressure distribution information with the position information and the pressure distribution information already accumulated in a database, and a step (S750) for, when it is determined that a travelling electric wheelchair is approaching the dangerous point (YES in step S730), warning an on-vehicle device of the electric wheelchair accordingly.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present disclosure relates to information provision, and more particularly, to a technique for providing road surface information such as unevenness of a running surface.

  With the spread of electric wheelchairs, accidents such as falls have increased. Therefore, there is a need for a technique for preventing falls. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-24015 (Patent Document 1) discloses “an electric wheelchair that notifies when an inclination angle of an electric wheelchair approaches an angle at which there is a risk of falling”. This electric wheelchair includes “a vehicle body frame 10 having a seating portion 14 on which a user is seated, an electric unit 30 disposed on the vehicle body frame 10, and a drive wheel rotatably disposed on the vehicle body frame 10 or the electric unit 30. 20, an electric wheelchair comprising an armrest 15 disposed on both sides of the vehicle body frame 10 and a driving unit 6 for driving and steering, an inclination angle detection unit 18 for detecting the inclination angle of the vehicle body, And a control section 7 for notifying that the vehicle body is tilted by at least one of notation, vibration, and sound when the tilt angle exceeds a predetermined angle (see [Solution means] in [Summary]). .

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-24015

  Currently in Japan, infrastructure for running roads and other electric wheelchairs is inadequate, and there are many places where there are steps or slopes. Requires action. As a result, accidents caused by users unaccustomed to such operations frequently occur. In particular, the height of the roadway is often the highest in the vicinity of the central separation zone, and has a shape (kamaboko-shaped shape) that becomes lower as it approaches the end (sidewalk). Also, if a wheelchair user tries to move in a direction crossing the roadway from such a sidewalk, there is a step near the boundary between the sidewalk and the roadway. In some cases, the vehicle may jump out of the roadway or fall.

  In other words, at present, wheelchair users often avoid danger by making use of their knowledge of roads and living spaces that they know. Accordingly, when many wheelchairs are used in the future, it is expected that a situation in which the user is inevitably experiencing danger when the user is a beginner.

  With regard to avoiding such danger, for example, a technology for mounting a 3G sensor or the like on a vehicle and creating a digital map of a step or a height direction has been clarified. According to this, the level difference between the sidewalk and the roadway and the inclination of the end of the road are expressed by digital information, and an altitude difference can also be displayed. However, in a situation where a method for connecting the digital map to the actual running stability of the wheelchair has not been established, the map information or the step information of the information including these altitude differences is not utilized. That is, even if these pieces of information are simply displayed as reference information on a terminal such as a car navigation system, the user cannot avoid the dangerous point while knowing the existence of a step or other dangerous point, As a result, it may lead to falls or other accidents. Therefore, there is a need for a technique for preventing the wheelchair and other mobility aids from falling and other accidents.

  This indication is made in order to solve the above problems, and the purpose in a certain situation is to provide the information providing device which can prevent the accident of a movement auxiliary device beforehand.

  The objective in another situation is to provide the movement assistance apparatus which can prevent an accident beforehand. An object in another aspect is to provide a method for providing information for preventing an accident of a movement assist device. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a program for causing a computer to execute the method.

  According to one embodiment, there is provided an information providing device for providing information that supports driving safety by the movement assist device. This information providing device is a route that represents each position information of the movement assistance device that is sequentially acquired while one or more movement assistance devices are running, and a situation of a running surface at a location corresponding to each position information. A receiver for receiving information, a storage device for storing each of the position information and each of the route information, and at least one of the one or more mobility assist devices travels. Meanwhile, the route information defines that any one of the movement assistance devices is a place where attention should be paid to travel among places corresponding to each piece of position information stored in the storage device. When the detection means for detecting that the vehicle is approaching and any one of the above-described movement assist devices is approaching a place where attention should be paid to the traveling, Travel notes And a transmitter for transmitting a signal prompting.

  According to another embodiment, a mobility assistance device is provided. The movement assisting device includes a positioning module for acquiring each position information of the movement assisting device that is sequentially acquired while the movement assisting device is traveling, and a traveling surface at a location corresponding to each position information. An acquisition module for acquiring route information representing a situation; a transmitter for transmitting each of the position information and each of the route information to a server communicably connected to the mobility assist device; and the mobility assist device And a receiver for receiving a signal prompting attention of traveling from the server when the vehicle is approaching a place where attention should be paid to traveling.

  According to another embodiment, a method is provided for a computer to provide information that assists in driving safety by a mobility assist device. In this method, each position information of the movement assistance device that is sequentially acquired while one or more movement assistance devices are running, and route information that represents a situation of a running surface at a location corresponding to each position information, Receiving each of the position information and each of the route information, and at least one of the one or more movement assist devices while the travel assist device is running. That the movement auxiliary device is close to the place specified by the route information as a place to be careful of traveling among the places corresponding to the respective position information stored in the storage device. A step of detecting, and when any one of the movement assisting devices is approaching a place where attention should be paid to the traveling, a signal for transmitting a warning for traveling attention to any one of the movement assisting devices. Tsu and a flop.

  According to yet another embodiment, a program for causing a computer to execute the method is provided. This program represents each position information of the movement assistance device acquired sequentially while one or more movement assistance devices are running on the computer, and the situation of the running surface at a location corresponding to each position information. Receiving the route information, storing each of the position information and each of the route information, and while at least one of the one or more movement assistance devices is running, Any one of the movement assisting devices approaches a place specified by the route information as a place to be careful of traveling among places corresponding to each position information stored in the storage device. And when any one of the above-mentioned movement assistance devices is approaching a place where attention should be paid to the above-mentioned traveling, And a step of transmitting a signal prompting.

  According to the above, in a certain aspect, the information providing device transmits a warning based on the route information to the traveling assistance device that is traveling. Since the user of the movement assistance device can recognize that he is approaching a place where attention is required for traveling, the user can prevent the vehicle from falling by deceleration or the like.

  The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure showing the usage condition of the electric wheelchair which is one aspect | mode of a movement assistance apparatus, and the server which functions as an information provision apparatus. It is a figure showing the structure of the signal transmitted from the vehicle-mounted apparatus 180 when an electric wheelchair passes unevenness in driving | running | working. It is a block diagram showing the hardware constitutions of the vehicle equipment 180. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a server 160. FIG. It is a figure which represents notionally the one aspect | mode of the data storage in the hard disk 5 with which the server 160 is provided. It is a flowchart showing a part of process performed in the electric wheelchair 110 to which the vehicle-mounted apparatus 180 was attached. It is a flowchart showing a part of process which CPU1 with which the server 160 is provided is performed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[Description of Embodiment of the Present Invention]
First, embodiments of the present invention will be listed and described.

(First configuration)
According to one embodiment, there is provided an information providing device for providing information that supports driving safety by the movement assist device. This information providing device is a route that represents each position information of the movement assistance device that is sequentially acquired while one or more movement assistance devices are running, and a situation of a running surface at a location corresponding to each position information. A receiver for receiving information, a storage device for storing each of the position information and each of the route information, and at least one of the one or more mobility assist devices travels. Meanwhile, the route information defines that any one of the movement assistance devices is a place where attention should be paid to travel among places corresponding to each piece of position information stored in the storage device. When the detection unit for detecting that it is approaching a place, and any one of the movement assist devices is approaching a place where attention should be paid to the travel, for any one of the movement assist devices, Driving attention And a transmitter for transmitting a signal prompting.

  According to the first configuration, the information providing device receives and stores the position information and the route information from each movement assist device. In the present embodiment, the information providing apparatus is realized by a computer having a known configuration, and includes at least a communication function, a calculation function, and a storage function. The movement assist device is realized as an electric wheelchair, for example. The route information includes information indicating that there is a place that may interfere with traveling of the movement assist device, such as a step or a depression on the road surface. Therefore, when the information providing apparatus detects that another movement assisting device is approaching such a place, the information providing apparatus transmits a signal for urging attention to travel to the other movement assisting device. The movement assistance apparatus which received this signal can warn that it should pay attention to driving | running | working, for example by an audio | voice, a display, or decelerating. As a result, accidents such as a fall due to the movement assisting device continuing to travel can be prevented.

(Second configuration)
Preferably, the route information includes pressure distribution information indicating each pressure detected from the seating surface of the movement assist device while the one or more movement assist devices are traveling. The storage device stores the pressure distribution information. The detection unit is configured such that any one of the movement assisting devices has pressure distribution information deviating from a predetermined range out of a place corresponding to each of the pressure distribution information stored in the storage device from the seating surface. Detect that you are approaching the detected location.

  According to the second configuration, when the movement assisting device passes the uneven surface during traveling, the user sitting on the movement assisting device vibrates up and down according to the unevenness. Therefore, when the pressure sensor is arranged on the seating surface of the movement assist device, a change in the pressure distribution of the buttock can be detected according to the passage of the uneven surface. Therefore, when such a change is detected, the information providing apparatus can recognize that the place is a place where attention should be paid to traveling. For example, when the change in the pressure distribution information exceeds a predetermined range, the location that caused such a change can transmit to each movement assist device that attention should be paid to traveling.

(Third configuration)
Preferably, the transmitter further transmits a signal for decelerating any of the movement assisting devices when any of the movement assisting devices is approaching a place where attention should be paid to the traveling.

  According to the third configuration, when the movement assist device receives the signal, the movement assist device decelerates, for example, before reaching the convex concave portion, so that it is possible to prevent a fall due to passing through the convex concave portion.

(Fourth configuration)
According to another embodiment, a movement assisting device including an information providing device is provided. The information providing apparatus has the same configuration as the first configuration. Therefore, since the movement assistance apparatus provided with such a configuration can function as an information providing apparatus with respect to other movement assistance apparatuses, it is possible to prevent the other movement assistance apparatus from falling over.

(Fifth configuration)
A mobility assistance device according to another embodiment is provided. The movement assisting device includes a positioning module for acquiring each position information of the movement assisting device that is sequentially acquired while the movement assisting device is traveling, and a traveling surface at a location corresponding to each position information. An acquisition module for acquiring route information representing a situation; a transmitter for transmitting each of the position information and each of the route information to a server communicably connected to the mobility assist device; and the mobility assist device And a receiver for receiving a signal prompting attention of traveling from the server when the vehicle is approaching a place where attention should be paid to traveling.

  According to the fifth configuration, the position information and the route information are sent to the server while each movement assisting device is traveling. The server accumulates information from each movement assist device. Therefore, for example, when a certain movement assistance device travels on a road having a concave and convex surface, when detecting that another movement auxiliary device is approaching the concave and convex surface, the server Thus, it can be notified that an uneven surface exists in front. When the other movement assisting device recognizes the notification, it can avoid the uneven surface by deceleration, avoidance, etc., so that an accident such as a fall is prevented.

(Sixth configuration)
Preferably, the acquisition module includes a pressure sensor. The route information includes pressure distribution information indicating each pressure detected from the seating surface of the movement assist device. The movement assisting device approaches a place where pressure distribution information deviating from a predetermined range is detected from the seating surface among places corresponding to the pressure distribution information stored in the storage device. The receiver receives a signal to call attention to the traveling.

  According to the sixth configuration, the pressure of the buttocks acting on the seat is detected by the pressure sensor while the user of the movement assisting device is seated. Therefore, when the server detects a change in pressure by comparing the pressure distribution information during travel of the movement assisting device, the movement assisting device has an obstacle such as an uneven surface in the place where the pressure change is detected. It can be judged that there is.

(Seventh configuration)
According to another embodiment, a method is provided for a computer to provide information that assists in driving safety by a mobility assist device. In this method, each position information of the movement assistance device that is sequentially acquired while one or more movement assistance devices are running, and route information that represents a situation of a running surface at a location corresponding to each position information, At least one of the one or more movement auxiliary devices is running, the step of receiving the position information, the step of storing the position information and the path information in a hard disk or other storage device In the meantime, one of the movement assistance devices is a place that is specified by the route information as a place to be careful of traveling among places corresponding to each position information stored in the storage device. A step of detecting approaching, and when any of the movement assisting devices is approaching a place where attention should be paid to the travel, for any of the movement assisting devices, And transmitting the alert signal lines.

  According to the seventh configuration, the computer accumulates position information and route information of each movement assist device. The computer is managed and operated by, for example, a for-profit organization such as an information provider or a local government or other non-profit organization. Information providers include, for example, telecommunications carriers, manufacturers of mobility aids, businesses that introduce information on restaurants and other commercial facilities, and the like. Non-profit organizations include organizations made up of users of mobility aids. When the computer of the movement assisting device newly receives position information from another traveling assistance device that is traveling, the computer detects that the other mobility assisting device is approaching a place where attention should be paid to traveling, It is possible to call attention to the other movement assistance device.

(Eighth configuration)
Preferably, the route information includes pressure distribution information indicating each pressure detected from the seating surface of the movement assist device while the one or more movement assist devices are traveling. In the detecting step, pressure distribution information that deviates from a predetermined range is detected from the seating surface among the locations corresponding to each of the stored pressure distribution information. Detecting the proximity of the place.

  According to the eighth configuration, when the computer detects a change in the pressure distribution of the buttocks according to the passage of the uneven surface, the computer can recognize that the place is a place where attention should be paid to traveling. For example, when the change in the pressure distribution information exceeds a predetermined range, the computer notifies the movement assistance device that the movement assistance device is approaching the uneven surface. Can prevent falls and other accidents.

(Ninth configuration)
Preferably, the method further includes a step of transmitting a signal for decelerating any of the movement assisting devices when any of the movement assisting devices is approaching a place where attention should be paid to the traveling. .

  According to the ninth configuration, when the movement assist device receives such a signal, the traveling speed can be reduced based on the deceleration command included in the signal. Therefore, for example, even if the user's operation of the movement assisting device is delayed, the movement assisting device decelerates, so that it is possible to prevent a fall or other accident.

(Tenth configuration)
According to yet another embodiment, a program for causing a computer to execute the method is provided. This program represents each position information of the movement assistance device acquired sequentially while one or more movement assistance devices are running on the computer, and the situation of the running surface at a location corresponding to each position information. Receiving the route information, storing each of the position information and each of the route information, and while at least one of the one or more movement assistance devices is running, Any one of the movement assisting devices approaches a place specified by the route information as a place to be careful of traveling among places corresponding to each position information stored in the storage device. And when any one of the above-mentioned movement assistance devices is approaching a place where attention should be paid to the above-mentioned traveling, And a step of transmitting a signal prompting.

  According to the tenth configuration, by installing the program in the computer, the computer can receive position information and route information from each movement auxiliary device, and can know a place where attention should be paid to traveling. Therefore, attention can be urged when another movement assisting device approaches such a place.

[Details of the embodiment of the present invention]
First, an outline of a configuration according to the present disclosure will be described. Specifically, the technology for preventing the accident of the mobility assist device is, in one aspect, a device mounted on a wheelchair (hereinafter also referred to as “on-vehicle device”) and a computer (hereinafter referred to as “hereinafter referred to as“ vehicle management device ”). It is also realized as “center device”. Note that the center device is not essential, and in another aspect, a wheelchair having the function of the center device can independently issue a warning to itself or a surrounding movement assist device.

  The in-vehicle device includes a seat sensor (pressure sensor) that can measure the seating pressure of a wheelchair seat, a positioning sensor that can measure the position of the wheelchair with high accuracy even when the wheelchair is stopped, and these in real time. A communication circuit that transmits information (sitting pressure and position information) to the center device, a seating posture determination circuit that can detect an abnormality or dropout of the seating posture based on information from the seat sensor, and highly accurate positioning sent from the wheelchair The information and the seating thickness distribution information at that time are stored as a data set, and a transmission circuit for transmitting the seating pressure information in response to a request from the wheelchair or another wheelchair is provided.

  In another aspect, the above information may be transmitted to the center device using an existing mobile phone, smartphone or other mobile communication terminal instead of the communication circuit. For example, the information acquired by the in-vehicle device may be transmitted to the center device by connecting the in-vehicle device and the mobile communication terminal wirelessly or by wire. The connection method is not particularly limited, and is realized by Bluetooth, WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) or the like.

  In addition, regarding positioning, the positioning error correction by map matching used in a normal car navigation system or the like may be inappropriate for a wheelchair that is stopped or travels at a low speed. Therefore, high-accuracy positioning by a real-time kinematics method capable of absolute positioning even in a stopped state is desirable. According to such high-accuracy positioning, in principle, positioning with an accuracy of ± several centimeters becomes possible.

  If the posture of the user seated in the wheelchair is normal, the seat sensor detects the right and left pressure distribution that is equal to the pressure of the buttocks. Also, in the case of a user who is not equal left and right due to physical disability, the distribution of initial values detected in a horizontal place is set as “normally seated posture”. Before the wheelchair starts traveling, the user or the caregiver of the user receives the wheelchair identification information, the detected pressure distribution information, and the position information obtained by the positioning in a horizontal place. Send to. The wheelchair is registered in advance in the server of the information management center as a user of a service provided by the information management center. Therefore, the server can store the information transmitted from the wheelchair in association with the registered identification information of the user.

  When the wheelchair starts running, the wheelchair displays the right / left or front / rear pressure distribution information (or pressure distribution information and information indicating its change) in the direction of travel, unless the judgment circuit outputs a dropout warning. Along with the information, it continues to be sent to the information management center at regular time intervals. For example, if the automatic transmission mode is set to be valid, the wheelchair automatically continues to send the above information to the information management center while traveling. The server of the information management center accumulates pressure distribution information, pressure change information, and wheelchair position information.

  When another wheelchair approaches a dangerous step or dropout that a wheelchair once passed while traveling, the information management center was installed on the other wheelchair based on the position information of the other wheelchair. A signal to alert the in-vehicle device is transmitted. Based on the signal, the in-vehicle device can notify the user of the wheelchair of the danger that the vehicle is approaching a step or a place where the vehicle has dropped out.

  In this way, unlike a car navigation system, a wheelchair-only digital road map is not required. And a server can identify a dangerous place only by an absolute position, and can issue a warning to a wheelchair approaching the dangerous place. As a result, accidents such as falls and wheel removal can be prevented.

  If you try to do the same thing using car navigation, the wheelchair will run as a pedestrian in a plaza, park, stadium or facility, so there will be no opportunity to perform positioning correction by map matching along the road. . Therefore, it becomes impossible to perform danger prediction due to position error. Even in a scene where an alarm is issued, since the position information is too rough, an alarm may be issued at a stage far away from a really dangerous place, so there is a possibility that the role of the alarm will not be fulfilled.

  In the information management center, information representing dangerous places based on daily running and location from a wheelchair equipped with an in-vehicle device is accumulated. Therefore, a wheelchair that can communicate with the information management center can use only the absolute position information stored in the information management center, and can be alerted by past danger information, even when traveling in another wheelchair or in another time zone, or Watching can be strengthened.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the technical idea according to the present disclosure will be specifically described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a usage mode of an electric wheelchair that is one mode of a movement assist device and a server that functions as an information providing device.

  In one aspect, the electric wheelchairs 110, 120, 130, and 140 (hereinafter, collectively referred to as the electric wheelchair 100) each have a communication function. Specifically, the electric wheelchair 110 can communicate with an access point (AP) 171. The electric wheelchair 120 can communicate with the access point 172. The electric wheelchair 130 can communicate with the access point 173. The electric wheelchair 140 can communicate with the access point 174.

  Access points 171, 172, 173, and 174 are connected to the Internet 170, respectively. A server 160 is further connected to the Internet 170. The server 160 is operated by the information management center 150, for example. The server 160 is realized by a computer having a known configuration. The access points 171, 172, 173, and 174 are realized by, for example, mobile phone base stations, WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) access points, and the like.

  The electric wheelchair 110 includes an in-vehicle device 180. The in-vehicle device 180 is disposed in the vicinity of the seat of the electric wheelchair 110, for example. The configuration of the in-vehicle device 180 will be described later.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the use aspect of electric wheelchair 110 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a signal transmitted from the in-vehicle device 180 when the electric wheelchair passes the unevenness while traveling.

  In a certain situation, as shown in the state (A), the electric wheelchair 110 is traveling on a flat road. In this case, the pressure distribution does not change greatly.

  As shown in the state (B), for example, at the time t (1), the electric wheelchair 110 passes through the convex and concave portions of the road. At this time, the electric wheelchair 110 vibrates up and down, and the user seated on the electric wheelchair 110 also vibrates. The in-vehicle device 180 detects a change in load due to the vibration of the user and transmits a signal. The signal includes a wheelchair ID for identifying the electric wheelchair 110, position information of the electric wheelchair 110, pressure distribution information newly acquired in response to detection of a change in load by the user, and pressure distribution information. The time and the destination address (for example, the address of the information management center 150) are included. This signal is transmitted to the server 160 via the Internet 170 via the nearest access point.

  Thereafter, the electric wheelchair 110 travels for a certain period, and again passes through the step at time t (2). At this time, as in the case of time t (1), the electric wheelchair 110 vibrates up and down, and the user seated on the electric wheelchair 110 also vibrates. The in-vehicle device 180 detects a change in load due to the vibration of the user, newly acquires pressure distribution information in response to the detection of the change, the newly acquired pressure distribution information, the acquired time, and the destination A signal including an address (for example, the address of the information management center 150) is transmitted. This signal is also transmitted to the server 160 via the Internet 170 via the nearest access point.

  After the time t (2), when the electric wheelchair 110 continues traveling, the electric wheelchair ID and the position are set at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 10 seconds, every 30 seconds, every minute, etc.). A signal including information, pressure distribution information, acquisition time, and destination address is transmitted to the server 160 of the information management center 150. The transmission timing is not limited to that described above, and transmission may be performed at other intervals. The transmission timing may be variable. For example, the transmission timing may be different before and after a change in pressure distribution is detected. For example, after a change in pressure is detected, there is a possibility that a change in pressure may continue to be detected (for example, an uneven road continues), so even if the transmission time interval becomes shorter than the normal time interval. Good. In this way, since more detailed route information is sent to the server 160, the accuracy of the route information (such as the distance where the convex and concave portions are present) can be improved.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the structure of the vehicle-mounted apparatus 180 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the in-vehicle device 180.

  The in-vehicle device 180 includes a processor 310, an antenna 320, a receiver 330, a pressure sensor module 340, a positioning module 350, a transmitter 360, a memory 370, a speaker 380, and a battery 390.

  The processor 310 controls the operation of the in-vehicle device 180 based on information detected by the in-vehicle device 180 or based on a command given to the in-vehicle device 180.

  Antenna 320 receives signals transmitted from access points 171, 172, 173, and 174. The received signal is sent to the receiver 330.

  The receiver 330 performs a predetermined process on the signal transmitted from the antenna 320, and extracts information included in the signal. The extracted information is sent to the processor 310. The processor 310 analyzes the signal and sends a signal output according to the analysis result to the speaker 380. The speaker 380 outputs sound according to the signal. The output sound may include a sound notifying that the vehicle may travel normally, a sound prompting attention to the front, and the like.

  The pressure sensor module 340 detects a load when a user of the electric wheelchair 110 (for example, a user who is difficult to walk) is seated. The detected load is sent to the processor 310. The processor 310 calculates pressure distribution information based on the load and the size of the seated portion of the electric wheelchair 110.

  The positioning module 350 detects the position of the electric wheelchair 110 based on a known positioning signal. A detection result by the positioning module 350 is input to the processor 310. The positioning module 350 is realized by using a known technique corresponding to GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like, for example.

  The processor 310 generates a signal including pressure distribution information, position information of the electric wheelchair 110 detected by the positioning module 350, an ID of the electric wheelchair 110, and a destination address. The processor 310 sends the generated signal to the transmitter 360. Transmitter 360 transmits the signal via antenna 320.

  The memory 370 holds data temporarily generated by the processor 310 and programs and data prepared in advance for controlling the operation of the electric wheelchair 110.

  The speaker 380 outputs sound based on the signal sent from the processor 310. In another aspect, the in-vehicle device 180 may include an audio output terminal instead of the speaker 380. In this case, when the electric wheelchair 110 has a built-in speaker by connecting the audio output terminal (not shown) of the in-vehicle device 180 and the audio input terminal (not shown) of the electric wheelchair 110, the speaker Sound can also be output.

  The battery 390 supplies power to the hardware of the in-vehicle device 180. The extraction nail 390 may be detachable or built-in. In another aspect, in-vehicle device 180 may receive power from electric wheelchair 110.

  With reference to FIG. 4, a configuration of server 160 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of server 160.

  The server 160 includes, as main components, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1 that executes a program, a mouse 2 and a keyboard 3 that receive input of instructions from a user of the server 160, data generated by execution of the program by the CPU 1, Alternatively, a RAM 4 that stores data input via the mouse 2 or the keyboard 3 in a volatile manner, a hard disk 5 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner, an optical disk drive device 6, a communication IF (Interface) 7, and a monitor 8 Is provided. Each component is connected to each other by a bus. A CD-ROM 9 and other optical disks are mounted on the optical disk drive 6. The communication IF 7 includes, but is not limited to, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, and a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface.

  The processing in the server 160 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 1. Such software may be stored in the hard disk 5 in advance. The software may be stored in a CD-ROM 9 or other non-volatile computer-readable data recording medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the software may be provided as a program product that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the Internet or other networks. Such software is read from the data recording medium by the optical disk drive 6 or other data reading device, or downloaded via the communication IF 7 and then temporarily stored in the hard disk 5. The software is read from the hard disk 5 by the CPU 1 and stored in the RAM 4 in the form of an executable program. The CPU 1 executes the program.

  Each component constituting the server 160 shown in FIG. 4 is a general one. Therefore, it can be said that one of the essential parts according to the present embodiment is a program stored in the server 160. Since the operation of each hardware of server 160 is well known, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The data recording medium is not limited to a CD-ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), and hard disk, but is a magnetic tape, cassette tape, optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)). ), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (including memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM (Electronically Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), flash ROM, etc. It may be a non-volatile data recording medium that carries a fixed program.

  The program here may include not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  With reference to FIG. 5, the data structure of server 160 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing one mode of data storage in hard disk 5 provided in server 160. In one aspect, the hard disk 5 includes a record ID 510, position information 520, pressure distribution information 530, wheelchair ID 540, reception date and time 550, and warning 560.

  The record ID 510 identifies each data record. The data record includes position information, pressure distribution information, wheelchair ID, reception date and time, and a warning. The record ID is generated according to a predetermined standard every time the server 160 receives a signal from each electric wheelchair, and is given to the data record.

  The position information 520 represents geographical information where the electric wheelchair that transmitted the data record is detected. The position information is maintained by, for example, the latitude and longitude altitude. Alternatively, in another aspect, the position information may be represented by information for identifying a road (for example, a national highway number) and a position on the road (for example, a distance from a turning point).

  The pressure distribution information 530 represents pressure distribution information based on the user's load detected while the electric wheelchair is traveling. The wheelchair ID 540 identifies the electric wheelchair that transmitted the data record. The reception date and time 550 represents the date and time when the data record is received.

  The warning 560 indicates whether or not it is necessary to alert the user of the electric wheelchair when traveling according to the pressure distribution information 530. For example, if the warning is set as “necessary”, the server 160 may transmit a signal to call attention to the wheelchair approaching the point specified by the position information 520.

  For example, referring to the data record with record ID = 002 and the data record with record ID = 003, the warning 560 is changed from “unnecessary” to “necessary”. This is because the pressure distribution information detected in the location specified by the position information 520 included in the data record with the record ID = 003 and the location specified by the position information 520 included in the data record with the record ID = 002. This indicates that a difference has occurred with the detected pressure distribution information. For example, a change in pressure distribution information is detected when an electric wheelchair passes a step. Therefore, when detecting a change in pressure distribution information for the same wheelchair, the server 160 recognizes that there is a place (for example, a step) where attention should be paid to traveling, and records the status of the warning 560. Then, the server 160 changes the status of the warning 560 from “unnecessary” to “necessary” so that other electric wheelchairs can be notified. In this way, at another timing, before the other electric wheelchair passes the same place, the server 160 can call attention to the other electric wheelchair based on the status of the warning 560. Since other users of the electric wheelchair can take measures such as deceleration or stop in advance, a fall or other accident at a step can be prevented.

[Control structure]
With reference to FIG. 6, the control structure of electric wheelchair 110 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a part of processing performed in electric wheelchair 110 to which in-vehicle device 180 is attached.

  In step S610, processor 310 of in-vehicle device 180 shifts the operation mode of in-vehicle device 180 to the initial value registration mode.

  In step S620, processor 310 obtains the buttock pressure distribution and the position information of the electric wheelchair in a horizontal place before the electric wheelchair starts to travel. Each acquired information is stored in the memory 370.

  In step S630, processor 310 establishes communication between electric wheelchair 110 and information management center 150, and transmits wheelchair ID, pressure distribution information, position information, and detection date and time of pressure distribution information to server 160. To do.

  In step S640, the electric wheelchair starts traveling based on the user's traveling instruction. In a certain situation, when the process of step S620 is not completed, a display or a sound notifying that may be output from the monitor or speaker of the electric wheelchair. In this way, forgetting to acquire the initial value can be prevented.

  In step S650, processor 310 transmits route information and position information of electric wheelchair 110 to the server at predetermined time intervals while electric wheelchair 110 is traveling. The transmission interval and timing are variable. In one aspect, the path information is expressed as pressure distribution information including a buttock pressure distribution. In another aspect, when the electric wheelchair 110 includes a camera or a drive recorder, the route information may include an image acquired by the camera included in the electric wheelchair 110.

  In step S660, processor 310 determines whether or not a warning indicating that electric wheelchair 110 is approaching a previously detected danger point has been received from server 160. When processor 310 determines that such information has been received (YES in step S660), control is switched to step S670. Otherwise (NO in step S660), processor 310 returns control to step S650.

  In step S670, processor 310 notifies the user of electric wheelchair 110 that electric wheelchair 110 is approaching the danger point. For example, the processor 310 outputs a sound indicating that from the speaker 380. Or when the audio | voice output terminal of the vehicle-mounted apparatus 180 is connected to the audio | voice input terminal of the electric wheelchair 110, the built-in speaker of the electric wheelchair 110 can output the sound to that effect. In yet another aspect, the processor 310 transmits information warning to that effect to a smartphone or other portable communication terminal used by the user of the electric wheelchair 110. When the mobile communication terminal receives the information, the mobile communication terminal warns the user by voice, vibration, display on the monitor, or the like.

  In step S680, processor 310 detects a brake operation of electric wheelchair 110.

  In step S690, the controller (not shown) of electric wheelchair 110 turns on the brake to decelerate electric wheelchair 110.

  A control structure of server 160 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of processing executed by CPU 1 provided in server 160.

  In step S <b> 710, CPU 1 receives wheelchair ID, position information, route information, and detection time information from each electric wheelchair, and accumulates each received information in the database of hard disk 5. In one aspect, the route information is expressed as pressure distribution information, for example.

  In step S720, CPU 1 identifies each of the points before and after the point including a point where the degree of change in pressure distribution is large as a dangerous point, and sets a flag (warning 560) indicating that a warning to the user of the electric wheelchair is necessary. Give it to each point.

  In step S730, when CPU 1 newly receives wheelchair ID, position information, pressure distribution information, and detection time information, CPU 1 has already accumulated the newly received position information and pressure distribution information in the database. Compare position information and pressure distribution information. In another aspect, CPU1 may compare the image sent from each electric wheelchair as a comparison of route information.

  In step S740, CPU 1 determines whether or not the traveling electric wheelchair is approaching a previously identified dangerous point. This determination is made based on the result of step S730. When CPU 1 determines that the traveling electric wheelchair is approaching the danger point (YES in step S740), CPU 1 switches control to step S750. If not (NO in step S740), CPU 1 returns control to step S710.

  In step S750, CPU 1 warns vehicle-mounted device 180 of the electric wheelchair that the electric wheelchair is approaching the danger point. For example, the server 160 includes an electric wheelchair ID approaching the danger point, position information representing the danger point, and a signal for outputting the content of the warning by voice. When receiving a signal including such information from the server 160, the in-vehicle device 180 warns with a voice via the speaker 380 as described above. In another aspect, when the in-vehicle device 180 has a data output interface, the electric wheelchair approaches the danger point to a monitor (not shown) included in the electric wheelchair via an input interface connected to the interface. The character information indicating that it is present is displayed. Thus, the user can recognize that the electric wheelchair is approaching the danger point, and can apply the brake as necessary.

(Summary)
As described above, according to the electric wheelchair 110 according to the present embodiment, when another wheelchair approaches a dangerous step or a place where the electric wheelchair 110 once passed during traveling, the information management center Based on the position information of the other wheelchair, a signal for calling attention is transmitted to the in-vehicle device mounted on the other wheelchair. Based on the signal, the in-vehicle device can notify the user of the wheelchair of the danger that the vehicle is approaching a step or a place where the vehicle has dropped out.

  In this way, unlike a car navigation system, a wheelchair-only digital road map is not required. And a server can identify a dangerous place only by an absolute position, and can issue a warning to a wheelchair approaching the dangerous place. As a result, accidents such as falls and wheel removal can be prevented.

  In the information management center, information representing dangerous places based on daily running and location from a wheelchair equipped with an in-vehicle device is accumulated. Therefore, a wheelchair that can communicate with the information management center can use only the absolute position information stored in the information management center, and can be alerted by past danger information, even when traveling in another wheelchair or in another time zone, or Watching can be strengthened.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is to be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above-described embodiment but by the scope of claims, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the scope of claims and all modifications within the scope.

2 Mouse 3 Keyboard 4 RAM
5 Hard disk 6 Optical disk drive 7 Communication IF
8 Monitor 9 ROM
100, 110, 120, 130, 140 Electric wheelchair 150 Information management center 160 Server 170 Internet 171, 172, 173, 174 Access point 180 In-vehicle device 310 Processor 320 Antenna 330 Receiver 340 Pressure sensor module 350 Positioning module 360 Transmitter 370 Memory 380 Speaker 390 Battery 520 Position information 530 Pressure distribution information 550 Reception date and time 560 Warning

Claims (10)

An information providing device for providing information that supports driving safety by a movement assist device,
In order to receive each position information of the movement assistance device that is sequentially acquired while one or more movement assistance devices are traveling, and route information that represents the situation of the traveling surface at a location corresponding to each position information. Receivers,
A storage device for storing each position information and each route information;
While at least one of the one or more movement assisting devices is running, any one of the movement assisting devices corresponds to each position information stored in the storage device. Detecting means for detecting that a place to be careful of traveling is approaching a place defined by the route information;
A transmitter for transmitting a signal for cautioning the traveling to any one of the movement assisting devices when the any of the traveling assisting devices is approaching a place to be careful of the traveling. Information providing device. The path information includes pressure distribution information indicating each pressure detected from the seating surface of the movement assist device while the one or more movement assist devices are traveling,
The storage device stores the pressure distribution information,
The detection means is configured such that any one of the movement assisting devices has pressure distribution information deviating from a predetermined range out of a place corresponding to each pressure distribution information stored in the storage device from the seating surface. The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information providing apparatus detects that the detected place is approaching.   The transmitter further transmits a signal for decelerating any of the movement assisting devices when the any of the movement assisting devices is approaching a place where attention should be paid to the travel. The information providing apparatus according to claim 2.   A movement assistance apparatus comprising the information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A mobility assistance device,
A positioning module for acquiring each position information of the movement auxiliary device sequentially acquired while the movement auxiliary device is traveling,
An acquisition module for acquiring route information representing a situation of a running surface at a location corresponding to each of the position information;
A transmitter for transmitting each of the position information and each of the route information to a server communicably connected to the mobility assist device;
A movement assisting device comprising: a receiver for receiving a signal for prompting attention of traveling from the server when the movement assisting device is approaching a place where attention should be paid to the traveling. The acquisition module includes a pressure sensor;
The path information includes pressure distribution information indicating each pressure detected from the seating surface of the movement assist device,
The movement assisting device approaches a place where pressure distribution information deviating from a predetermined range is detected from the seating surface among places corresponding to the pressure distribution information stored in the storage device. The movement assistance device according to claim 5, wherein the receiver receives a signal that calls attention to the traveling. A method for a computer to provide information that supports driving safety by a movement assist device,
Steps of receiving each position information of the movement assistance device sequentially acquired while one or more movement assistance devices are running, and route information representing a situation of a running surface at a location corresponding to each position information When,
Storing each location information and each route information;
While at least one of the one or more movement assisting devices is running, any one of the movement assisting devices corresponds to each position information stored in the storage device. Detecting the proximity of the place specified by the route information to be a place to be careful of traveling,
And a step of transmitting a signal prompting attention to travel to any one of the movement assist devices when the travel assist device is approaching a place where attention should be paid to the travel. The path information includes pressure distribution information indicating each pressure detected from the seating surface of the movement assist device while the one or more movement assist devices are traveling,
In the detecting step, pressure distribution information deviating from a predetermined range is detected from the seating surface among the locations corresponding to each of the stored pressure distribution information. The method of claim 7, comprising detecting proximity to a location.   8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising a step of transmitting a signal for decelerating any of the movement assisting devices when any of the movement assisting devices is approaching a place where attention should be paid to the travel. 9. The method according to 8.   The program for making a computer perform the method as described in any one of Claims 7-9.

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